Becky Zerr, Owner & Founder
Brittney Shaw, Teacher & Manager
Rein Alex, Virtual Assistant
Teacher Bios
Mrs. Becky Zerr
Owner & Founder of New Horizons Academy
Dedicated English Teacher Since 2010
Teaching--especially in English, writing, and language arts--is a true passion of mine. I graduated Cum Laude from Kansas State University in 2010 with a Secondary Education degree in English and Journalism, and then went on to teach in the public schools before setting off on my own as an online teacher and tutor. I also homeschooled my own two young daughters during the pandemic. As of January 2023, I am returning part-time to the public school classroom as the English III and Yearbook teacher at Wamego High School.
My philosophy of education is to make it as fun, personalized, and as interactive as possible for the kids. I always try to even out my direct instruction/lecture time with plenty of opportunities for students to practice these new skills, take polls, play review games, and collaborate with peers. I use this same theory whether I'm teaching preschoolers or high school SAT and ACT test prep; people just learn better if they're having fun!
I am happily married to my husband Brad, and we have two beautiful daughters, Sophia and Elise. We currently reside in Wamego, Kansas, and we love the small-town life.
Oh, and Zerr is pronounced "Zarr," so it rhymes with "car." 😉
Mrs. Brittney Shaw
Teacher & Manager
Hi! My name is Brittney. I received my Associates Degree in Elementary Education and my Bachelors Degree in English. I love working with kids and have experience with all ages.
I am a wife and mother of four, ages 9, 6, 4, and 1, and the oldest of eight. I have been both a nanny and babysitter as well. Through my past employment and own kids, have gained experience with children with speech delays, autism, and ADHD. I have also worked as a classroom volunteer and ESL instructor.
I love reading and writing and am a total bookworm. I also love dogs and cooking. My kitchen and my reading chair are my happy places!
My teaching philosophy is that every child is different and my job is to make sure to embrace those differences to make the education experience the best for all the children. I also want to make sure I do my best to foster a love of reading in my students because, "if you can read, you can do anything!"
Qualifications:
Associate Degree in Elementary Education
Bachelor Degree in English
Former ESL instructor
Experience with all ages